First Chick-Fest Held

In May, the first “Chick-fest” was held. On July 6, the petroleum business in the county was valued at over $100,000 in a record production year. On July 10th, the Guadalupe River bridge on Highway 183 was repainted. On July 20, the new Cartwheel Lodge Nursing Home on Cartwheel Drive (just south of Highway 90-A) hosted an open-house. On July 23, First National Bank directors endorsed plans for a new building at 300 St. Joseph Street (Block 17). On August 2nd, the “Chicken Ranch” in LaGrange was closed after 129 years. On August 14th, contracts were signed for the construction of a new Junior High building on College Street. On August 22nd, the ground-breaking for the construction of a new building at North Avenue Elementary School took place. On the same day, Bob Bullock, candidate for State Comptroller, visited Gonzales. On August 29th, Pagel’s Model Market was closed. Mr. Ray Pagel had spent more than fifty years in the grocery business. A new state-wide food stamp program was begun, replacing the Commodity Foods Program. The program was funded in 1972 by State Legislature ($7.7 million). The Pilot Club was organized, and Bright’s Jewelry Store moved to 607 St. Joseph Street.